Indie Comic Review: Ghost #0

All that is old is new again in another 90′s era reboot. Ghost, the sole survivor of the 1993′s Comics’ Greatest World initiative from Dark Horse, is back in a five issue mini-series from writer Kelly Sue DeConnick and artist Phil Noto

Former journalist Vaughn Barnes has been reduced to moonlighting as cameraman for the shoddy paranormal-investigation cable TV show Phantom Finders. But when a curious device summons the specter of a beautiful, translucent woman, Vaughn is plunged into a mystery of criminal intrigue that spans two worlds! Kelly Sue DeConnick and Phil Noto launch their exciting new take on one of Dark Horse’s most popular characters ever!

This first issue (collecting the three stories from the Dark Horse Presents anthology) does a solid job of giving the reader everything needed to enjoy the story. I haven’t read Ghost in almost twenty years (Yes, I have all of the original CGW issues. Don’t judge.), but I was not lost at all. DeConnick either ignores or jettisons most of what has come before and goes for a streamlined approach to the character. As such, the actual Ghost character is pretty under-developed, but ripe with mystery.. DeConnick centers the story around a cameraman with a conscience who is looking to help Ghost instead of exploit her.

The story flows pretty well, but there are some hiccups. The revelation that the machine used to capture Ghost is powered by some sort of crystal comes out of left field. I found myself scratching my head at the introduction of this minor plot element which seemed to muddy waters that were not in need of disturbing. And the appearance of armed thugs who want the crystal back may serve to illustrate the power of Ghost and establish her as more than a damsel in distress, their appearance in the story is handled so clumsily that it was jarring.

Fans of Phil Noto will be pleased with his work in Ghost. His reveal of Ghost is stunning. Truly a highlight of the book. And her appearance throughout the book contrasts her with the rest of the characters. She is slightly more rounded and smooth whereas the rest of the characters have a sketchy, angular quality about them. Just by looking at the book the reader can tell that she is not quite of this world.

Ghost #0 is a solid debut. There are a couple of little bumps, but they did not do more than make for a n occasional pause. DeConnick and Noto are the perfect team for this book and I am looking forward to seeing where they take it!